Nearly a Hundred Public Office Holders in Sarajevo Canton Resign Due to Conflict of Interest

(Patria) - The implementation of the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption, which began on January 1, 2023, represents a turning point in the engagement of the Office for Combating Corruption and Quality Management.

"Nearly a hundred public office holders have resigned due to conflict of interest, which constitutes ten percent of the total number of public office holders in the Canton. Seven corruption whistleblowers have been granted protected whistleblower status, and all institutions have adopted measures to identify corruption risks. These are significant steps in building a corruption-resilient system," stated the Head of the Office, Erduan Kafedžić, in a message on the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day.

What makes these successes even more important is the fact that Sarajevo Canton has not only adopted the Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption but has also shown that consistent application can bring about change.

"The successful application of this law is a concrete step towards establishing an anti-corruption system. Praise goes not only to the dedicated and professional employees of the Office but also to the authorities who have shown determination in establishing and strengthening the Office's capacities. International support, continuously provided to the Office by the embassies of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Delegation of the European Union, the OSCE Mission to BiH, and other partners, is also an indispensable part of this success.

Sarajevo has become a leader in the fight against corruption, and the Office an inspiration to other anti-corruption bodies in BiH. However, we are aware that this is just the beginning. Mechanisms need to be strengthened, transparency improved, and trust built. The key to success lies in the participation of all community members.

We will not eradicate corruption alone. I invite you to be our allies. Report corruption to the Office, because together we are building a Sarajevo without corruption – an example and inspiration for the entire country," concluded Kafedžić.